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BY IRA KAUFMAN

Spectacular.

That’s the best way to describe the treat in store for Tampa Bay fans when a Glazer-authorized documentary celebrating 50 years of Buccaneer football is ready for launch.

Season-ticket holders experienced a taste of Buc heaven at Tampa Theater last night as Emmy-winning director Trent Cooper screened excerpts, sandwiched between live banter from Buc luminaries including Tom Brady, Doug Williams and Jon Gruden.

Emcee Casey Phillips did an outstanding job keeping the program moving along. She was well-prepared with smart questions, prompting thoughtful and often funny responses from guests on the stage as a packed house roared in appreciation.

One of the most surprising moments came when Bucs co-owner Ed Glazer took a seat and described how the documentary came about. Joel Glazer usually takes center stage when it comes to public comments from ownership, but Ed appeared comfortable and eager to talk up a multi-episode documentary that may find a home on a streaming service later this year.

Cooper and his crew interviewed at least 100 people who reflected on a franchise that began play in 1976 and promptly lost its first 26 games. The breakthrough came in 1979, when the NFL’s No. 1 defense powered the Bucs to a division title and a berth in the NFC championship game. Williams, now a Commanders executive, shared memories with fellow Ring of Honor member Jimmie Giles.

A common theme throughout the night was appreciation for the support of Buc fans who stuck with the team through the tough times.

Giles and Williams took turns applauding each other’s contributions and Giles provided an early quip by telling the audience, “I was always open.”

The wild 2002 trade for Gruden proved to be a fruitful topic for Cooper, with the Glazers providing fascinating insight about what went down in the wee hours during negotiations with late Raiders owner Al Davis.

Team Glazer went all out.

The Glazers seemed to relish the widespread reports that they were interested in hiring Steve Mariucci to replace Tony Dungy.

That was never the real target, according to ownership. In an extraordinary moment, Joel Glazer admitted he watched the “Tuck Rule” playoff game between the Raiders and Patriots, rooting for New England because an Oakland victory would likely end their obsessive pursuit of Gruden.

Brad Johnson and Gruden were next up on stage, talking about the 2002 championship season. It was apparent that Gruden, who is known to be tough on his quarterbacks, has great respect for Johnson’s role during Tampa Bay’s first Super Bowl run.

The rollicking evening featured some strong language, but the audience didn’t seem to mind. In fact, a segment focusing on Brady’s expletive-filled rant against Ali Marpet in the huddle stoked the crowd.

When Brady walked on stage, many in the audience stood up in appreciation for the icon who joined the Bucs as a free agent in 2020 and immediately delivered a Vince Lombardi Trophy.

There was extensive footage of the boat parade as fans and dignataries relived that glorious day on the Hillsborough River.

Tom Brady was in the house.

Judging by Tuesday’s preview, this documentary will surely be worth the wait. The project began 18 months ago, primarily at the urging of Ed Glazer. Cooper appeared to have an unlimited budget to track down key out-of-town figures like Rich McKay, Mike Tomlin and John Lynch.

Barber, Mike Alstott, Warrick Dunn and Steve DeBerg took their seats, but Todd Bowles didn’t attend because he and his staff were busy preparing for Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta.

The emotional highlight? It had to be the excerpt dealing with Mike Evans and his pursuit of another 1,000-yard season.

It went down to the final minutes of the final regular-season game, with the Bucs sitting on a 27-19 lead against the Saints.

Instead of a kneeldown that would have guaranteed a playoff berth, Baker Mayfield threw a pass to Evans for the necessary yardage. Jason Licht came on stage to describe how everyone in the organization was determined to extend Evans’ historic streak.

For his part, Evans couldn’t say enough about the support he has received from Buc fans since joining the franchise in 2014 as Licht’s initial draft pick.

There was a lot of love flowing inside Tampa Theater on a night those in attendance won’t soon forget. Cooper is taking his time in the editing room to ensure this sprawling documentary does the franchise justice.

Judging by the excerpts, we’re looking at a spectacular piece of work.

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